6 Career & Business Lessons You Can Learn from Lucille Ball by Adrienne Graham

6 Career & Business Lessons You Can Learn from Lucille Ball by Adrienne Graham

Who doesn’t know the famous, hilarious red-head. Each generation gets to know her all over again thanks to networks like TV Land and Nick at Nite. While she was obviously way before my time, I found myself becoming a fan as a child. I Love Lucy had long since been off the air (my parents were kids when the show was on), but in syndication, I was introduced to America’s favorite redhead. I never miss an opportunity to watch the show, or any of the other shows and movies she’s done.

I remember when I was pregnant with my son, she was pregnant with Little Ricky. OK, so Little Ricky was by then a grown man probably with grandchildren, but I remember being pregnant at the same time (1991). She gave birth the day before I did and I remember crying (hormones) because I was so happy for her.  I’m not a crazy fanatic or anything, but I love her shows. She was always getting into something, and she was unafraid of the consequences. Yeah, Lucy and I have a lot in common. Who can’t help but laugh when you walk past Grauman’s Chinese Theater or chuckle when you see a box of candy or bottle of wine? My grandfather even had a trunk much like that famous trunk she locked herself into. And who could forget her taking the dramamine and falling asleep on the Staten Island Ferry when she was supposed to be getting her “pass-a-port” (gotta love Ricky’s accent).

As we celebrate her 100th birthday, I can’t help but take away some important career and business lessons I’ve taken away from her humor and talent. Of course there are many more, but here are the top six lessons I’ve learned from Lucille Ball/Lucy Ricardo.

• Own your stuff. Lucy was madly in love with Desi Arnaz and was a success in her own right. She wanted Desi to experience success as well. In her time, it was unheard of for a woman to have any kind of behind the scenes clout in Hollywood. And definitely not a place for foreigners to have any say. Yes, Hollywood was very racist back then (and in some ways still is today). So what was Lucy’s solution? Desilu Productions. What many people don’t know is that it was Lucy who came up with the idea for Desilu. She let her husband run things but make no mistake, that was her brainchild. I Love Lucy was the first real sitcom developed by a husband and wife team, and under Desilu Studios pioneered the multi-camera shot, and filmed in front of a live audience. Nobody else was doing that at the time. The most important thing I learned from Lucy is when people deny you, create your own!  When you believe enough in yourself to “just do it anyway”, you trail blaze.
• Do it anyway! How many times have we heard “No Lucy, you can’t be in the show!” from Ricky? How many times did people say “Lucy (Ricardo) has no talent, she can’t sing“? Did she care? Hell no! Week after week she did everything she could to get into Ricky’s show. We all knew she couldn’t hold a tune. But it was fun to watch that spirit, that hubris that she exuded as she forged ahead to get out into the spotlight. I learned from her that even when people say no, do it any way. Everyone’s definition of talent and success is different. Don’t let others put you in a box or try to define you. And did you know that she was 40 when she decided to go for what she wanted (with her career)? She didn’t let the fact that Hollywood considered her “old” stop her from achieving her dream.
• Be fearless when you want something. As I sit in my hotel room in Los Angeles, I can’t help but be reminded of Lucy’s trip to L.A. where she created havoc. But then again, when hasn’t she? Sneaking away from the tour bus to find William Holden’s home was brilliant. Of course these days Beverly Hills PD will arrest you before you could get to the front door. But she showed some real guts. She wanted to meet him and wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. Not even her side kick Ethel, or that big ass dog William Holden had. LOL Now I don’t advocate trespassing on people’s property or stealing (remember John Wayne’s footprints?). But when you have an idea, go for it. Don’t let fear of consequences (most time imagined) hold you back.
• Know when it’s time to move on and invest in yourself (and your business). Sadly, as I Love Lucy came to an end, so did Lucy & Desi’s marriage. She had done all she could to hold that marriage together, but it had become a business liability. She had to cut it loose in order to move forward in her career. While she did divorce Desi, she maintained her ownership in Desilu Productions and focused on her own career. She cut loose the baggage of the past and forged ahead to hone her craft, build her brand (America’s funniest redhead) and give the fans what they wanted. Desilu went on to produce some of the most famous shows of all time (Star Trek, Dick Van Dyke Show, Mission Impossible, My Three Sons, I Spy, The Untouchables, That Girl, I can go on and on). By 1962, she bought out Desi Arnaz to have complete control of the company. She was the first woman to own a major studio. I’d say that’s investing in yourself in a big way. She not only invested in herself, she invested in others.
• Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself (or your business) while still honoring the brand.When you hear the name Lucy you think comedy. Did you know she started out as a “B” movie screen actress? I’ve seen a few of them (after getting to know Lucy Ricardo) and found myself waiting for the punchline. She didn’t set out to be a comedic actress but clearly she found her stride. When she did I Love Lucy, the TV execs didn’t believe she could pull it off. Clearly, they were wrong. She went on to be the number one comedic actress of all time. And not just that. Lucy was responsible for green-lighting many shows that were not the typical comedy prototype. She wanted Desilu to be a studio/production company that wasn’t singularly focused. She realized she had to give the people the content they wanted. And that meant a variety of programming. Studios today need to take note!
• Don’t let the fact that you’re a woman keep you from calling the shots. I don’t take anything away from Desi Arnaz. In fact he was responsible for many of the innovations at Desilu. He knew the financial benefits of reruns before CBS or any other studio (he bought the episodes of I Love Lucy from CBS outright, which was a very lucrative decision). But Lucy was no slouch. She had a knack for knowing how to pick just the right programming, and she did all the approving (all of her approvals have gone on to have long runs and remain popular in syndication. Three of the shows went on to become successful movie franchises- Mission Impossible, Start Trek and The Untouchables). When it made financial sense, she bought out her partner rather than sell to someone else or become an “employee”. She showed she could multi-task and still run a successful company. She starred in her own weekly show while still running the studio….while being a Mom.

Yes, she is and always will be America’s Funniest Redhead. But make no mistake, Lucy was a hell of a businesswoman who had a command of her career that women today should respect and model. Long before Oprah, there was Lucy. We should all hope to have the kind of brand longevity and business acumen that she had (and still has) today. Happy Birthday Lucy. I’ll be checking out her old home in Beverly Hills and the Lucy exhibit at Universal Studios to pay my respects for a woman who paved the way for women to be taken serious in business. She leaves an enormous legacy and blueprint we should all be paying attention to.

Till Next Time,

Adrienne Graham

Yes Lucy, You CAN Be in the Show…and Own It!

Article taken from: http://www.empowerme.org/index.php/2011/08/07/6-career-business-lessons-learn-lucille-ball/

How to Beat the Poverty Mindset by Marla Tabaka

Hey Guys, 

I absolutely love this article! It holds so many truths that I had to share it with you guys. Inc. is another one of my favorite resources to read and gain valuable information for my business. Enjoy! 

How to Beat the Poverty Mindset by Marla Tabaka

I work so hard and I still can't make ends meet.
I'll never be able to afford a vacation. 
I'll take what I can get for this project, even if it's not my full rate.
You don't understand what it's like to struggle; it's the story of my life!

Do any of these statements, or some form of them, sound familiar? Do they sound like YOU? Consider this: Engaging in limiting thoughts limits your ability to succeed.  No longer are such statements based on hypothetical schools of thought.  We have endless scientific studies that tell us how thought patterns influence our health and well-being. We even know that negative thinking suppresses the immune system and often leads to illness. Studies published by the American Medical Association confirm that the majority of patient complaints and symptoms are stress-related. Wow!

"We become what we think about all day long."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

So why engage in a constant stream of negativity? Old habits are hard to break, aren't they? If you were raised in a household filled with negative reminders about lack and limited resources or criticisms of the wealthy, you have most likely carried your learned beliefs and behaviors into adulthood.  These learned responses are embedded in your brain and repeat themselves like an old, broken record; a constant reminder of your limitations. The poverty mindset is one of the most common; after all, we all know that money doesn't grow on trees!

So if we have this engrained “knowledge' telling us that we can never succeed financially, how do we erase it? Depending on the degree of intensity, the solutions range from changing habits all the way to utilizing powerful Energy Psychology techniques like EFT Tapping.  Below are some suggestions ranging from easy to more aggressive approaches.  Try any combination to see what works for you.

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
--Norman Vincent Peale 

- Change your environment. If you are behind your computer all day long, searching for a solution, try a walk in nature instead.  Begin your day by letting your thoughts go and allowing the calming effects of nature to soak in. As an added bonus, the exercise also helps eliminate stress.

- Connect with positive people. Instead of constantly commiserating others who are in a negative place, seek out the company of people with a positive, uplifting attitude about success and wealth.  Observe their language, including their body language.  Mimic the tone and body language and notice how much better it feels to you.

- Choose one or two affirmations or positive statements that really resonate with you and recite them throughout your day. Make sure you “stair step' your affirmations; if you can barely meet your monthly financial obligations, using an affirmation like “I am a magnet for wealth and prosperity' might not feel too uplifting; you simply won't believe it. Try starting with “I choose to pay my bills with ease and gratitude' and “graduate' to stronger statements as your energy moves in a positive direction. Affirmations can actually change your brain chemistry.

- Start saving money. Even if you are struggling put away what you can. Make empowering choices with your money instead of creating more debt by buying things that make you feel better in the moment. I save change in one of those little jars that registers the “deposit' with readout of the balance in the jar. It's really fun to watch it add up and creates a sense of control over finances. I began this practice years ago and still do it just for fun!

- Stand by your rates. I often see clients who reduce their pricing drastically to lure in clients and then feel resentful toward themselves and the client. Talk about getting stuck in a loop of negative emotion! There are creative ways to bundle your products and services so that everyone wins. Don't give yourself away! Prospects will sense your desperation and either turn away or take advantage of you. Remember, like attracts like. Do you want to attract clients who can afford you or others who engage in a poverty mindset?

- Appreciate your current wealth. Make a list of the good stuff in your life. Are you surrounded by people you love? Do you have a house, car and other things you enjoy? What do you feel fortunate to have in your life? Place more emphasis on what you DO have and as your energy lifts you will attract more of it.

- Expand your thinking. If your current business model isn't working and you are stuck in a rut of negative thought you would benefit from a coaching or mentoring relationship. Our ability to create and think out of the box is limited when we are in the poverty mindset loop.  How long have you been waiting for your business to become profitable? If it's not working something obviously has to change and you need an outside influence to help you see the possibilities. Look for programs that you are willing to invest in and understand that it is an investment in YOU.

- Create psychological change.  If your poverty mindset is deeply embedded think back to where and when it started. Are there specific events in your life that have “taught' you that you cannot be financially successful?  Odds are that there are. When these belief systems are deeply embedded, all of the positive thinking and exercise in the world may not erase them.  Consistent negative feedback embeds itself in our nervous system and when our environment or an event triggers the release of certain neurotransmitters, or chemicals, it can lead to depression, fatigue and much more.

For help on a deeper level consider various approaches including, the Emotional Freedom Techniques, Neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, or cognitive therapy. I have found the energy psychology techniques like EFT tapping to be profoundly effective at “disconnecting' the emotion from memories that limit our ability to engage in positive thought.

Most importantly, decide to change. Understand that you don't have to be stuck in this place and, instead, take empowering action. Once you make that decision your mind will be open to the solutions and they will present themselves.  No matter what your circumstances you do have choices. What choice feels the most empowering to you?

Complimentary Consults for coaching and Emotional Freedom Techniques sessions with Marla are available. If you are uncertain about how coaching can help you, find out! Contact me today.

Article taken from: http://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/how-to-beat-the-poverty-mindset.html

Where to Find the Money to Start Your Small Business by SmallBizLady Melinda F. Emerson

Hey Readers,

I love SmallBizLady's tweets and blog posts, I'm excited she allows her posts to be shared. The information is great and I continuously learn new things. I often post articles from other sources and authors because I am still learning, and I want to share resources so we all can be successful and educated entrepreneurs and business owners. So I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Where to Find the Money to Start Your Small Business

One of the most common questions that I get as SmallBizLady is about start-up financing. ”Do I know where people can get a grant to start their small business?”. Now Hear This: BYOB doesn’t just stand for Become Your Own Boss! BYOB also stands for Be Your Own Bank! There are NO grants! When you are starting out in business you must come up with your own money to invest into your brilliant idea. You also need to have resources to maintain your household while you are building your business.  You are your business’s credit and debt. Now there are micro-loan programs when you may be able to borrow up to $25,000, but you better have a great business plan to get it.

If you are ready to start your business, you must develop a plan for yourself to save more moneyand become debt free. Now, I am not talking about paying off your mortgage, but I do mean everything else.  I am talking zero debt—meaning no credit cards, no car payments. Basic living expenses only. Eliminating your debt will allow you to always make decisions that are in the best interest of your business. You also need to establish zero debt to free up your credit capacity. When I realized that I wanted to leave my job to start my first business, I took out a home equity loan (which you need to do while you are still working and can prove income) and paid off every bill I had, even my car.  I used home equity because you can write off the interest paid against your income taxes.

Getting your house in order financially will be one of the first milestones on the road to starting your own business.

To find the money to start your business, take these steps:

1. Develop a plan to eliminate all debt. Make a list of all debt, the balance owed and the interest rate. It is best to start with the credit card with the lowest balance, while you continue to pay the minimum fees on the others cards to keep them current. By starting with the card with the lowest balance you will boost your confidence about your personal finances. Next, should be the card with the highest interest rate. Keep working your way down the list.
2. Make of list of what you need at the store. To avoid impulse buying, take a list with you to the all stores and do not deviate from it!  Be careful not to go grocery shopping when you are hungry. It is very hard to stick to your list that way.
3. Keep driving your car. Drive you car until it stops running. As a new business owner, you will no longer be able to afford to upgrade your vehicle every two years. Buy a reliable car and take care of it, so you can ride without a car payment as long as you can. (I still do this! My car is more than five years old).
4. Cut back on trips to Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and cut your cable bill. The money you spend each month on unnecessary extras can really add up. Treat yourself once in a while to a pay per view, but the pay channels need to go. You’ll be shocked how the money you save will add up.
5. Check out the library. You can borrow books, magazines, and the latest DVDs from the library. You can also make requests and they will order things for you. If you’re a serious book junkie like me, find a good used bookstore or buy used books on Amazon.com. The books will still be new to you.
6. Drink at home. Stop drinking alcohol in bars and restaurants. If it’s beer, wine, or mixed drinks that you like, they are much cheaper when you pour them yourself. Pick up a six-pack or a few bottles invite over some friends and hang out at your home.

You will start your business if you develop the ability to control your spending and cut costs. Follow this advice. I promise you will find money you never realized that you had.  You cannot kick your addiction to your paycheck all at once. It will be a gradual step-by-step process, but you can do it!

Do you have any other cost saving suggestions for start-up entrepreneurs?

Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady is one of America’s leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure.  As CEO of MFE Consulting LLC, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. Forbes Magazine recently named her one of the Top 20 Women for Entrepreneurs to Follow onTwitter. She hosts #SmallBizChat Wednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs, and publishes a resource blog at: www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Melinda is also the author of the national bestseller Become Your Own Boss in 12 months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. (Adams Media 2010)

Article taken from: http://succeedasyourownboss.com/04/2011/where-to-find-the-money-to-start-your-small-business/.

Build A Strong Brand While You're Young by Matt Polsky

Hey Everyone, 

I found this article on http://www.youngentrepreneur.com and had to share it with you guys. In today's social media driven world it is important to know how to make it work for you and how to handle the situation when it turns against you. It is so easy to gain press, both negative and positive. One thing you must remember when building your brand and indulging in social media is that you are always being watched! So remember to always protect your brand and maintain high PR alerts at all times. Read below for some great tips.

Build A Strong Brand While You're Young

Brand management is more important than ever in a society that has currently grown accustom to the internet being readily available through smartphones and tablets. Managing your brand goes beyond the usual keyword searches and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics, and moves heavily into social media. Socialmedia platforms are breeding grounds for both positive and negative word of mouth and if utilized properly, they can be a large part of your marketing plan.

It is important to remember SEO is still important to achieve and maintain online visibility, but the rapidly growing popularity of social media sites has forced companies to consider how they will manage that visibility once they obtain it. Online brand management is highly important for any company wishing to grow and the most effective way to promote a positive brand image consistently across the internet.

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn are just a few of the popular platforms companies can now use to increase their visibility. Socialnetworking sites are not only great to push products or services, but can be used to build communities of brand advocates. Through contests, coupons, promotions, and events, a company can keep their customers interacting and loyal to the company.

While social media sites can be a great way to reach a completely new client base, they can also quickly become a company’s worst nightmare. Social media sites – including forums and discussion boards such as Angie’s List – can become flooded with undesirable comments regarding your business and destroy a brand through negative word of mouth. It is important to comment or respond to all negative press to show the customer you are trying to rectify the situation.

In today’s socially connected world, consumers want to be an integral part of the businesses they support. Social networking sites allow you to immediately apologize and state the solutions being sought before brand loyalists begin revolting. Not only do these updates tend to calm the storm, but also can increase brand loyalty as customers like know they are being listened to and the company really cares. Remember, not only negative comments need a response. A company can build brand advocates through thanking customers who give company reviews.

To avoid ruining a brand with social media sites, companies must remain consistent in the image they convey across these platforms, and must manage them daily. Posting to Facebook once a month won’t cut it. Facebook users want solid content every day if possible, but if the content is dry and not interesting skip it and go every other day. Posting too much on Facebook can lead to your connections un-liking you. Twitter has a completely different user base. Twitter followers expect to see three to five posts per day.

To get the highest return on brand management, SEO techniques should be synergized with social media to convey a positive brand image across all platforms.

Matt Polsky is the Senior Content and Reputation manager for VA Mortgage Center, providing insights learned from the nation’s leading provider of VA home loans.

Article taken from: http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/blog/build-a-strong-brand-while-you’re-young/.